President of the Eden Chamber of Commerce Jenny Robb has welcomed the exhibition of documents relating to the wharf development, calling Eden “the land of opportunity”.
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The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is on public exhibition to December 16 with hard copies at local libraries and online at the Department of Planning and Environment. It is another step closer for the $44million project that will enable cruise ships over 300 metres in length to berth alongside the upgraded wharf, providing a boost to the local and regional economy.
The work is expected to increase employment during the construction phase and lead to around 86 ongoing jobs in tourism, hospitality, aquaculture and stevedoring, as well as increasing business for local shops, restaurants and hospitality providers.
In the main street of Eden, development of the Hotel Australasia is still a hot topic with a lively discussion ensuing at last week’s Chamber of Commerce meeting, as views were exchanged between past and present councillors.
The discussion followed the council meeting of November 2 when it was agreed to invite expressions of interest (EoI) from developers once again. The tender document closes November 30 and the Magnet understands that a representative from Rankin Builders attended a meeting at council about the EoI along with other stakeholders.
Development in the heritage precinct of Warrens Walk and the museum was also raised at the chamber meeting. Vice-president of the chamber Gail Ward said that it was zoned for medium density, which she felt was “inappropriate for a heritage precinct”.
“I think this needs to be seriously considered because once it’s built, it will be too late,” Ms Ward said.
Ms Robb said there was a lot about to happen in Eden.
“Right now Eden is full of opportunity. We should be looking at our own businesses to ensure we’re ready because we’re in a great position. There is a lot of entrepreneurial opportunity here,” Ms Robb said.
The Eden breakwater wharf project will include extending the existing wharf by approximately 95 metres, installation of three mooring dolphins and two berthing dolphins, installation of landside bollards, dredging of approximately 260,000m3 of material, and installation of utilities (lighting, power and potable water).